NT Reporter | Vasco
The Indian Navy on Wednesday commissioned INAS 335, the ‘Ospreys’, at INS Hansa, inducting the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron as the first fully operational MH-60R unit on the Western Seaboard.
This follows the commissioning of the first MH 60R Naval Air Squadron in Kochi, Kerala, in March 2024.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said the commissioning strengthens the Navy’s shipborne aviation and maritime combat capability. He said that 2025 marks 75 years since the Government of India approved the formation of the Fleet Air Arm.
The commissioning coincided with 64 years since the launch of Operation Vijay on the night of December 17–18, 1961, when the Indian Navy played a key role in the liberation of Goa.
On the maritime security environment, the CNS said the region is witnessing increasing complexity due to geopolitical shifts, emerging technologies, grey-zone threats and vulnerabilities in global supply chains. He said strengthening maritime deterrence and safeguarding sea lines of communication remain priorities.
Referring to remarks by the Prime Minister at the Maritime Leaders’ Conclave during India Maritime Week 2025, Admiral Tripathi said India is positioned to contribute to stability at sea. He also cited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s emphasis on maritime security as central to economic growth.
The CNS outlined recent and planned capability additions, including the commissioning of a second P-8I squadron at INS Hansa, the planned induction of MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft for surveillance, and the contract for 26 Rafale-M carrier-borne fighters for maritime strike and fleet air defence.
The MH-60R Seahawk is equipped for anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike and search-and-rescue roles. The Navy said the platform has been deployed during Operation Sindoor, TROPEX-25 and the Tri-Services Exercise 2025, and that INAS 335 is operational from commissioning.
On indigenisation, Admiral Tripathi said indigenous weapons and sensors are being integrated on the MH-60R. Systems such as software-defined radios, data links and depth charges are already sourced from Indian industry, with missiles planned. He said infrastructure, training and maintenance support have been developed within the country.
